Stained glass is a fragile and yet enduring Christian liturgical, contemplative and decorative treasure. In the centuries after the Norman Conquest, England’s cathedrals became vast theatres of light, their great windows designed to communicate the mysteries of salvation to all who entered. In an age when most could not read Latin or English, stained glass broadcast the Bible and the Christian story in colour. The Creation, the Genealogy of Christ, the parables of Christ, the Apocalypse, saints and martyrs and their stories — all were made visible in windows filled with deep reds, blues, yellows and grisaille or greys.
8:39 AM
Seeing is believing: the story of English stained glass
England’s cathedrals hold nearly nine centuries of stained-glass artistry — from Canterbury’s 12th-century Bible windows to Chagall’s blazing 20th-century psalm. Janet Gough traces how these masterpieces of light, colour and faith tell the story of devotion, resilience and beauty across the centuries.
Janet Gough
8 min read
Already a subscriber? Sign in
5freearticles every month
Continue reading with a free account. No card needed.
- Five free articles every thirty days, on any device you sign in on
- The Catholic Herald newsletter, every morning
- Subscribe whenever you like for everything: every article and the magazine
subscribe to the catholic herald today
Our best content is exclusively available to our subscribers. Subscribe today and gain instant access to expert analysis, in-depth articles, and thought-provoking insights—anytime, anywhere. Don’t miss out on the conversations that matter most.
Subscribe
